Regulation of social workers due to change hands in July 2012

3rd May 2011

The HPC (Health Professions Council) will not take over responsibility for the regulation of social workers in England until July 2012.  The government has confirmed that it has delayed the handover from the GSCC (General Social Care Council), which was previously due to take place in April 2012.

This delay is due to the Department of Health putting the Health and Social Care Bill on hold for three months as part of its “NHS listening exercise”.  This is the bill which legislates for the changes in the registration of social workers in England.

According to Community Care, experts have suggested the delay could be a positive thing, as it would allow the GSCC and HPC to work together more closely and ensure a smooth transition.  However, some have warned that the government must work hard to avoid further delays, as this could lead to confusion in registration